January 16, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update – 1.9.17-1.15.17

Last Week:

Monday – Another frigid day. But I sucked it up and went for a run.

brrrr – it was 20 not 15 (like Sunday) but felt colder

I decided to get a sub for tennis since I was scheduled to play the next night (Don’t want to overwork this “old” body.)

Tuesday – A rest day for me. A quick lunchtime walk and tennis after work (followed by dinner out.)
Wednesday – Things started warming up so I gladly took a neighborhood run.

It was 52 degrees at lunch time?! Love this weather!

Thursday– Another scheduled rest day. 50 degrees with rain. Crazy weather.

Friday – I did go for a 4 mile run before my evening mah jongg game. Cold windy weather was back. Not a fan!

the good news – more daylight, no ice, no snow

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house. The hubby and I did go out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary.
Sunday – Today I ran the Winter Series #3 10K race. No Garmin! No mile markers! Truly a naked race. Not a fast one, obviously, but still had fun.

Judy also ran this race and I waited for her at the finish line

Of course, I had to run .8 miles to make it 7 miles for the day.

After the race, Judy hosted a brunch at her house. There were 8 of us – all runners for good food and great conversation.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days.

This Week:

Monday – Day off from work, 5 mile run with Judy
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –3 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, mall walk with bff
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day, March
Sunday – 8 mile run

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?

January 13, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – Where would I love to go this winter? Where do I dream about racing?

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the theme is Dream Vacations or Winter Destinations

For a Winter Destination, of course, it would have to be someplace warm and a place that has a half marathon:

1. Key West, FL.

I have always wanted to go to Key West. (I mean, I am a Parrothead lol) and I’ve heard that this January Half has a beautiful course.

2. New Orleans, LA

I was in NOLA years ago for a conference and loved it – the food, the language, the atmosphere and it would be cool to go back and run this race. (I did sign up for this March race but just can’t afford it this year.)

3. Bermuda

Blue skies, blue water, white sands…ahhh!

4. San Diego, CA

sdhm

I also visited San Diego for a conference and thought it was the perfect city to live.

5. Puerto Rico

Image result for divas half peurto rico

Who doesn’t like an all women’s race where it is warm?

Now for Dream Vacations, that would involve more travel (and again, there would have to be a race involved):

1. Paris

This is my favorite city in the world and I haven’t been there in many years. I love everything about the French culture.

2. Alaska

I’d love to take a cruise there. I’ve heard wonderful things about Alaska.

3. Hawaii

Another place that seems so beautiful that I want to experience it in person.

4. African Safari

I love animals!!! Lions, Tigers, Giraffes….oh my!

5. Iceland or Vietnam

I’d love to visit either or both.

Iceland

Vietnam

I’m not sure I’ll get to any of these places but a girl can DREAM!

Happy Running! So where do you dream about going this winter or anytime?

January 10, 2017 by Darlene

TOTR: Do you travel for races?

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Today’s topic is: Weekend Warrior or Racecation? Do you travel for races or like to stay local?

Definitely BOTH!

So I would define a race-cation as any race where you need to stay over night in a hotel.

Since I am not independently wealthy and work, I cannot take as many race-cations as I’d like.

In 2016, I traveled for 4 races: Sarasota, FL, Vermont, NYC and Panama City, FL. I had planned one more but ZOOMA Cape Cod Half got cancelled (and I settled for 2 local halfs instead.)

: Sarasota Music Half – Feb 2016

: VCM Relay – 2016

: Dash to the Finish

: PCB Half – Dec 2016

This year, it will probably be much of the same. So far, I have plans to travel to Stuart, FL, NYC, and Corning, NY. I’d love to add one more trip in late fall.

Image result for ecards running race vacations weekends

If you need some convincing or tips, here are some posts on the subject:

However, the majority of my races are local – that is, less than an hour away. I am fortunate that from April-October, there so many to choose from each weekend.

Even half marathons. I haven’t run one twice yet I haven’t exhausted the list of local ones.

I do repeat the short distance races – the ones that I’ve enjoyed. Believe it or not, I have not run all the local ones either.

Image result for ecards running race vacations weekends

Plus, when you run local, you become part of the local running community. You recognize those familiar faces at each race. Besides being just another runner, they actually can become your friends. The conversation becomes “What’s your next race?” “Have you ever run…?” And they cheer when you win an age group award.

Here are just a few of my faves:

Oh so many races..so little time…

Happy Running! And you? Travel or stay local for your races?

January 7, 2017 by Darlene

Ultimate Coffee Date – January

Confessions of a Mother Runner

Since today is the first Saturday in January, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.

Over coffee or tea…

I’d tell you that I’m over my Starbucks addiction. Well, not quite but it’s cold and I haven’t been walking much at lunch. Instead, I just use the Keurig at work to get my fix. No stars, though 😦

my shelf at work

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I am enjoying not stressing out about long runs. With my half marathon being March 5, I don’t have to run double digits until February. Yay!

6 is the max that I run on these cold weekends

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I feel lucky that we do have local races and that they are free. You know how I much I love to race. There’s a 10k next weekend.

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that the ice and snow limits my places to run. I am getting bored. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone shoveled all the bike paths so I don’t have to run in circles around UAlbany.

this loop is getting old

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I already registered for 3 destination Half Marathons for 2017 – Florida, NYC & Corning. The last two will be with other runners. I ran 7 halfs in 2016. So I am still looking for at least 2 more. Any suggestions?

wine + 13.1 = fun girls weekend

Over coffee and tea…

I’d tell you that I feel a little guilty that I’ve haven’t set any goals or resolutions for 2017. It’s not that it is depressing when I don’t meet or keep them. It’s just that I never look at them until the end of the year. So why bother?

But if I had to, it would be to:

lose weight, eat healthier, drink more water, work out, do planks, go to a yoga class, stretch after running, clean out my closets, read more books, spend less time on phone/computer.

There you go. Those are things that I will probably ignore until the end of the year. LOL

Happy Running! Got anything to spill?

January 6, 2017 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0 – 2017

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

This week, the theme is your goals, resolutions, or other things you’re looking forward to in the new year!

Well, since I don’t set any goals, I’ll post about what I’m looking forward to in 2017.

1. Running Healthy.

I have been lucky to have no injuries since 2013. So I hope this trend continues. I think the key is to not overdo and take your rest days.

untitled

2. Destination Races.

I love to travel but working doesn’t allow me to do it as often as I’d like. So I really appreciate any opportunity I get. Of course, I try to tie each trip into a half marathon.

Sarasota Music Half - Feb

So far, I only have one big one planned for 2017. I will running this race alone but plan to meet up with a few non-running friends.

March 5, 2017 in Stuart, FL.

: 2 tennis friends who live in nearly Hobe Sound and Delray Beach

: 2 former co-workers who live in nearby Jensen Beach and Delray Beach

I hope to get in another destination race in the late fall too.

3. Annual Tennis Vacation.

A group of 10 of us have been traveling together since 2002. And we have been going to Naples, FL for a week in May since 2006. We even rent the same two villas.

Every morning we take tennis lessons and then play doubles. In the afternoon, we go to the beach. And then in the evenings, we go out. Tough life!

img_9732-1

4. Girls Racing Weekends.

My first one was in Philly in 2014. It was fun but last December’s was even more fun.

walks on the beach

I have one planned for April 30 in NYC to run the Shape Women’s Half Marathon and another for October 1 to run the Wineglass Half Marathon in Corning, NY. (Anyone else running these races??)

Fingers crossed that we can fit in a blogger’s weekend again with the #holottafun ladies.

5. Time with Family and Friends.

Ultimately this is the most important. I plan to spend a lot time with them. I know I can schedule my runs and races around those gatherings.

12038295_10154200672904428_74479307881338828_n

Happy Running! What are you looking forward to in 2017?

January 5, 2017 by Darlene

Bill Hogan 3.5 Mile Race Recap

January 1, 2017

Every year, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club puts on the Winter Series, a series of free races for its members ($5 for non-members). On New Year’s Day, starting at noon, they offer the Hangover Half or 3.5 mile Bill Hogan Run as Winter Series #2. (I was Florida for Winter Series #1.)

In 2015, I ran the Hangover Half (as a training run.)

and it was a very cold one

Last year, I wasn’t that crazy. I decided to run only 3.5 miles.

Hangover_Half-156-XL_edited

It was definitely more enjoyable so I decided to run the 3.5 miler again this year.

For New Year’s Eve, my hubby and I had a quiet evening – just dinner out and a movie. We usually go Lake George on New Year’s Day and to a party but my hubby didn’t want to and I was fine with it (cuz I secretly wanted to do this race.)

all I drank was this small bottle of champagne

I arrived at UAlbany early and was surprised at how many people were running on New Year’s Day (at least 500.) It helped that the race didn’t start until noon so even if you did party for New Year’s Eve, you could still race this one.

Plus, the weather was perfect – sunny and close to 40 degrees. Unfortunately it was breezy but it is always windy here (even if it’s isn’t anywhere else.)

This race brings out everyone I know who runs – from running groups, races, friends, etc. So it’s great seeing everyone and catching up.

I immediately bumped into Judy and we hung out inside and chatted with one of her friends until the race began.

in Skirt Sports, of course

I also wound up chatting with another runner that was running the half marathon option. And then we had to hustle to get to the start.

I told myself to have a “relaxing” race. And I did. In the beginning, I had to weave in and out to get past the slower runners. But then, it was fine, I tried to keep an even pace. (Except when I passed my Freihofer/Turkey Trot coach, then I sped up. LOL)

Hangover_Half-002-L

This course is not flat. There are annoying hills throughout. Nothing awful until you are tired.

I kept up a decent pace for the first 2 miles. There were no mile markers but I could hear my Garmin beep. I really didn’t pay attention to my pace or time.

By mile 3, I was losing steam. So I started to walk in order to maintain some kind of decent pace. Plus, you were running into the wind the whole last mile. I walked several times including up the last hill.

Finally, it was over and I was surprised to see that the clock read almost 34 minutes. So I booked it and passed quite a few runners. There was quite a gridlock at the finish line and it is not chip timed. You have to stand in line and get a piece of paper and then record your time.

Since I forgot to stop my Garmin right away, I asked my friend (who crossed with me) what her time was and so recorded mine at 34:03.

Mile splits:

mile 1: 9:06
mile 2: 9:03
mile 3: 9:17
.82 – 9:57

Yes, the course was long!! Last year, it was 3.75 not 3.5 miles too.

Surprisedly I was faster than last year. It is nice to know that this relaxing goal is not making me slower.

For a free race, they have decent refreshments – vegetable soup, bread, fruit, cookies, hot cocoa.

And I had all of the above and many pieces of cranberry bread.

I waited around for awhile for Judy and some other runners to finish.

They give 10 year AG awards to the top 2 in each group. I was chatting with some runners and was surprised when they called my name for 2nd in my age group. (The fast ladies were running the half marathon. Lucky me!)

ws2ag

I chose cranberry walnut

Since I was dressed to run and not tired, I decided to do my usual campus loop.

Well, I usually run it in the dark. It is so different during the day.

My legs started really dragging. I guess I was tired. So I just ran and walked, etc.

Finally I finished up a little over 3 miles and went back inside to chat with some of my friends who had run the half marathon.

So a race and a run – what a perfect way to start off 2017!!

Since it is Thursday, I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

thinking out loud

Happy Running! Did you race on New Year’s? If not, when is your first race of 2017?

January 2, 2017 by Darlene

Running Update 12.26.16-1.1.17

Last Week:

Monday – I was supposed to go out to dinner & movie after work but instead I went shopping to check out the after Christmas sales at the mall. Didn’t spent a lot but got some steps in.

Tuesday – I squeezed in a run before tennis. It was 40 degrees – felt like a heat wave.

After tennis, the tennis ladies celebrated with a dinner out (yes another.)

Wednesday – Decided to go for another after work run due to the impending snowstorm.

Ran in town where I used to run all the time before there was the rail trail.

Thursday– A hair appointment was the only activity I had today. Snow hit us again. But at least we didn’t get as much as predicted.

Friday – Despite yesterday’s snow, the roads were clear enough and I did go for a run before my evening mah jongg game.

Alyssa had to cancel so I was back running in town

Saturday – A scheduled rest day to do errands, get things done around the house, and rest up for New Year’s Eve. A quiet evening of a movie and dinner with the hubby.

sad but good

Sunday – I ran my first HMRRC winter series run of the season and my first race of 2017. Th e weather was perfect for running (though a little windy). I loved starting the year off with a “relaxing” free race.

lucky for me that the speedy ladies ran the half marathon option so I won 2nd in my AG 🙂

After lots of refreshments, I dragged myself out for a little over 3 more miles.

18 miles done with 4 runs and 3 rest days

This Week:

Monday – 3 mile run
Tuesday – rest day, tennis
Wednesday –4 mile run with Alyssa
Thursday – rest day, dinner & a movie with BFF
Friday – 4 mile run, mah jongg
Saturday – rest day
Sunday – 7 mile run

Once again, I am linking up for the Weekly Wrap hosted by these wonderful bloggers Holly @ HoHoRuns and Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. See rules here.

Happy Running! How is your running going?

December 31, 2016 by Darlene

December Recap

10 Things We Love The Most About December

Where has the time gone?. I can’t believe that it is almost 2017. Wasn’t it just December 1?.

Anyway, here’s how December went down:

Weekday Runs:

We’ve been lucky and it’s hasn’t been cold or snowy of a December. So I was able to run at least 3 times outdoors each week which is great because I do not have a treadmill at home.

I ran mostly at UAlbany (near work). It’s easier than driving to run. Plus, it’s now dark when I get out of work.

I ran mostly alone. Barbara was injured. Alyssa was busy and I was in Florida for 5 days.

It’s definitely more fun running with friends. I hope I get to do that more next month.

Long Runs:

There were none! Just a half marathon!! Taking a break until mid-January.

Total Mileage:

I ran 69 miles this month – My lowest monthly total of the year. But I did run over 1000 miles for the year!! Woo Hoo! For the first time ever.

Started out the year with my highest monthly total and ended with the lowest. LOL

2016

Races:

I only ran two races this month – a half marathon and a 5k.

: Panama City Beach Half Marathon

I was generally happy with how they buth went. I won my age group in the half marathon and the 5k was just pure fun.

Cross Training:

I still play tennis (indoors now.) I am scheduled to play two Tuesdays a month but do get called to sub on some of the other weeks.

I actually went to workout at the gym ONCE!! Just I know – shocker!

I did walk almost every day at lunch for 30 minutes – Either around the outdoor shopping mall or to get a Starbucks coffee.

Other News:

I went on the most awesome Girls Weekend Race-cation. #HoLottaFun

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

: karaoke & laughs

I also spend a day in NYC taking in all the holiday sights.

I spent time with Amanda (my mentee).

There was a lot of holiday partying and eating but I won’t get into that.

Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.

Looking Ahead:

My next half marathon is not until March 5 in Florida where I will be visiting a few friends.

I only have a few races coming up. Things slow down around here when it gets cold.

This is my list so far for the next 2 months:

01-01-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #2 – 3.5M
01-15-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #3 – 10K
01-29-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #4 – 15K
02-05-17 – HMRRC Winter Series #5 – 10M

All these races are FREE!!

No monthly goals.

This motto worked for 2016 so I’m sticking with it in 2017!

Happy Running! How did your December turn out? Anything exciting planned for January?

December 27, 2016 by Darlene

My Award Picks for 2016 (& TOTR)

Last year I linked up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races that I ran. It was fun so I decided to do it again.

Since I ran 43 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was difficult to just pick ONE race.

Most Scenic Course –

I loved having views of the Gulf while running the Music Half Marathon (in Sarasota, FL).

: on the bridge early in the race

: Feb 2016 – freezing in Sarasota, Fla

It was also awesome to run with views of the fall foliage and the river during the Ramblefest Half Marathon (in Adams, MA).

this is the trail we ran on (but in the rain)

Most Challenging Course –

Hills are not my friend so I’d say that the most challenging course was Celebrate Life Half Marathon (in the Catskill Mountains).

There were quite a few rolling hills in the Lake George Half Marathon too.

Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –

Again, the crowds come out in mass to support the Vermont City Marathon runners. People were out there cheering the whole race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers even during the heart wave. (There were literally life savers for me and others running this race.)

Best Expo –

Vermont City Marathon had the best expo. In fact, of the 7 half marathons, this was the only big expo that I attended.

2016

Technically the NYC Marathon had the best expo but I didn’t run that race but went to it to pick up my bib for the 5k.

Best Swag –

In addition to the normal race shirt, at the Apple Run 5k, you got a backpack, sunglasses, water bottle, and other goodies.

: a cool backpack filled lots of goodies

Most Unique Medal/Award –

The most unique medal I received was the handmade wood one from the Camp Chingachgook Challenge.

I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved winning a Fitbit & $25 gift card to LL Bean at the LL Bean Bright Night 5k and $50 gift card to the Recovery Room restaurant and champagne at the Malta 5k.

I also like to get practical things. So winning this baseball hat at the Saratoga Palio Half Marathon was great. I’ve already worn it several times.

Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –

Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.

But the Sarasota Music Half Marathon also had an amazing breakfast buffet.

Best Race Shirt-

On the whole, I didn’t love most of my race shirts. But I guess my favorite would be the sweatshirt that we received at the Celebrate Life Half Marathon.

Favorite Overall Race –

That’s a tough one. I enjoyed so many of my races this year.

I’d have to say the Dash the Finish 5k because I got to run in NYC with three Russian ladies and cross the NYC Marathon finish line.

And of course, the Panama City Beach Half Marathon. Running and spending the weekend with seven blogger/friends was amazing and #HoLottaFun.

: this aventure was definitely worth taking time off without pay)

Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –

I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!

But I would have to say that I am proud that I finished the Vermont City Marathon Relay because of how difficult the weather conditions were.

crossing the finish line even though the race had been cancelled & I had to fight to get a medal.

And the Ramblefest Half Marathon because it my only PR this year and it was cold, raining and totally unexpected.

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:

Erika @ MCM Mama Runs, Marcia @ Marcia’s Healthy Slice and Patty @ My no-guilt life for

Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2016?

December 23, 2016 by Darlene

Friday Five 2.0: Holiday Races

I am linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup!
Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Today’s Topic is: Holiday Races

I run the same Holiday race (Albany Last Run) every year so I’ll change this post’s topic to December Races I’ve run or would like to run:

1. Albany Last Run

Mid-December every year in Albany, NY. The race starts off with fireworks at the Capitol building and then you run around the lights in Washington Park ending with a downhill near where you began. Lots of costumes and holiday spirit. This is the race that I run every year.

2. EAU Palm Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in West Palm Beach, Fl. I ran it in 2015 and enjoyed the course and ocean views. I’d love to do it again.

I especially liked the champagne that you receive after you cross the finish line.

3. Panama City Beach Half Marathon

Beginning of December in Panama City Beach, Fl. I ran it this year and enjoyed the FLAT course and gulf views. If I got invited again, this one would be one to repeat.

Free gumbo and beer at Margaritaville after the race is a nice perk.

4. Hot Chocolate Run

5k in Northampton, MA. It raises money for an organization addressing domestic violence. I’ve never run this race but I know a few runners who have and they say good things about it.

Of course, there’s hot chocolate after the race.

5. First Night Saratoga 5k

New Year’s Eve in Saratoga Springs, NY. Again I have not run this race but it is very popular locally. It starts and ends on the Skidmore campus and is moderately hilly. You receive a commemorative medal at the finish.